Shopping for slide scanners can be a very frustrating and confusing process. Unlike technologies such as an eBook reader device that have a limited amount of features, there are a seemingly limitless number of features to choose from with 35mm slide scanners. And while it might be easy to find out information on the top rated digital cameras, there is decidedly less information on slide scanners. In fact, it might be hard to imagine ever finding the information you need in order to make an informed decision.

One of the key things to consider when looking at purchasing a film scanner is its ability to let you preview images before you make a scan. The ability to view a preview of the final scanned output and make changes can be a critical factor. If you can make adjustments to color, lighting, brightness and contrast before the scan is made, it will save you down the road since you won't need to bring the scanned image into a photo editing program like Adobe Photoshop in order to make basic adjustments. After all, when you scan 35mm slides, the hardware that you use should make the process easier and not more difficult and time-consuming.

Some scanners will come with very small monitors; others will have poor resolution, making it almost impossible to work with; it's difficult to achieve the right color or contrast correction if you can't see the proof correctly. However, there are other scanners that offer large LCD screens. For example, the SVPcam.com has a 5 megapixel standalone 35mm film negative and slide scanner with a 2.4" LCD screen - that's one of the largest available. And because it handles both film and slides, it gives you maximum flexibility no matter what your current scanning needs are or what they might be in the future.

Richard Manfredi has written for major newspapers and online news sites and has more than 10 years experience in the digital imaging world.

Description: Buying 35mm slide scanners is more difficult than an eBook reader device or top rated digital cameras. Here's advice for when you scan 35mm slides.